Record Suspensions

The John Howard Society will assist individuals in applying for a Record Suspension (formerly pardon) through the Parole Board of Canada.

A record suspension allows people who were convicted of a criminal offence, but have completed their sentence and demonstrated they are law-abiding citizens for a prescribed number of years, to have their criminal record kept separate and apart from other criminal records.

Before you can apply for a record suspension, in order to determine the waiting period to be served, the type of offence (summary or indictable) and nature of the offence must be confirmed. Prescribed waiting periods range from 5 – 10 years. If you apply too early, or have outstanding fines, your record suspension application will be rejected.